Former Arsenal full-back, Bacary Sagna. 34, has signed for Serie A strugglers Benevento on a short-term deal after being a free agent since the summer of 2017.
According to renowned Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has chosen to sign for Italian side Benevento for the rest of the season as he has been unable to find a club since he was released by Manchester City before the season.
The deal signed by the former Arsenal and Manchester City star is only for six months, although there is an option to extend his stay for a further 12-months if Sagna proves a point with his performances and fitness.
After the signing was completed, a statement from the Italian club read,“ This morning, at the Caravaggio Sporting Village in Naples, an agreement was reached between Benevento Calcio and Bacary Sagna. In the presence of president Oreste Vigorito, the French defender from Senegal signed a contract with the Giallorossi until June 30. The deal includes the option for the extension until June 30, 2019. Bacary Sagna will be available to coach Roberto De Zerbi from next week.’
Benevento have had a difficult time this season, which is also their first ever season in the Italian top flight. Benevento performed admirably in Serie B and won promotion to Serie A.
Their journey in the top flight has, however, not gone according to plans. Benevento have only managed to take 7-points from their 22-league games till date and are destined for relegation come the end of the season.
Contrary to Benevento’s struggles in their history, their new signing has had a great career so far, playing for two of England’s big clubs. Having played at the top of his game during his time in England, Sagna has also featured substantially for France, gathering 65 caps in his career.
For a player of Sagna’s quality, he hasn’t won any major honours in his career. His only trophies till date are the Coup-de-France with Auxerre, The FA Cup with Arsenal and the League Cup with Manchester City.
Trophies aside, Sagna played a great role in Arsene Wenger’s side during his seven years at Arsenal. His form led to him making 213 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, while unable to reproduce his Arsenal form, Sagna only featured 54-times for Manchester City in the league.
The new chapter in Sagna’s career will certainly boost Benevento’s prospects of a better finish to their season. Sagna brings in quality and experience to a side that has had an awful time in the Italian top flight.
